(Newser)
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The controversial concept of "safe spaces" on college campuses—a place where members of a marginalized group can feel secure and able to express themselves—has grabbed the media's attention over the last year, spurred by such high-profile cases as the racial strife at the University of Missouri and a recent want ad posted by a black student at a California college seeking a non-white roommate. But those heading to the University of Chicago this fall shouldn't expect such accommodations, according to a letter sent to incoming freshmen, Inside Higher Ed reports. Although John Ellison, the school's dean of students, says in the letter that no one should be harassed, the university is committed to "freedom of inquiry and expression" and students should be prepared that in a collegial environment, they may sometimes feel challenged and be exposed to a certain level of "discomfort."

Toward that end, per Ellison: The university won't support safe spaces or "trigger warnings" on provocative topics (both terms that Quartz says have become "nebulous") and has no intention of turning away speakers from campus if their ideas are polarizing. The Chicago Maroon, the student newspaper, documents three incidents that happened during the 2016 spring semester in which speakers invited to the school had to end their speeches or endure protester disruptions during their appearances. Thepaper also notes that reaction to Ellison's letter has been mixed on social media, with some saying they applaud the college's support for academic freedom—"It's about time that someone stood up against this PC nonsense!" reads one comment on the Maroon article—while others say the school's attitude toward supposedly "open" dialogue can serve as a cover for hate speech.

America has sunk to the bottom it no longer allows free speech ...I saw it on you tube where this speaker at De Paul University in Chicago tried to speak and a non student went on stage and blew a whistle...and a girl physically attacked the speaker and was dancing on stage....

Chris Farley

Aug 26, 2016 10:17 AM CDT

Good look by that college. On a side note, a college close to me went full dumb with its newest offering. teaching RA's abuot the evil white.. On Friday, August 12, an optional conference for Binghamton University Residential Assistants entitled “#StopWhitePeople2K16” was held in an effort to “take the next step in understanding diversity, privilege, and the society we function within.”

TheJman

Aug 26, 2016 8:46 AM CDT

I'm finally impressed by a Universities actions. It's been one hell of a long time!